10 reasons to visit Pavia

Pavia may be a lesser-known provincial capital in northern Italy, overshadowed by the metropolis of Milan, 30 kilometers to the north, but it has a rich history as the former capital of the Kingdom of Italy (2 centuries, under the Lombards). Much of that history can still be found today when you visit this extremely friendly town of 70.000 inhabitants.

1. La Citta

The best way to explore Pavia is on foot. The historic center is not large and while walking you will discover many nice streets, parks and squares with bars and benches where you can soak up the real Italian atmosphere.

2. San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro

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This modest little church with the beautiful name (referring to the gold-clad 'heaven' above the altar) preserves one of Italy's most important religious treasures: the remains of the famous and still influential church father Augustine.

When a pope visits the church (and every pope does at least once during his pontificate), the casket containing the saint's bones is removed from the magnificent marble sarcophagus and displayed to the faithful.

In the crypt, the visitor will find the remains of yet another celebrity: the late Roman philosopher Boethius whose book Consolatio Philosophiae ("On the Consolation of Philosophy") was very influential and is still read today.

3. San Michele Maggiore

Another historical highlight took place in the San Michele Church, whose beautiful facade has unfortunately been seriously damaged by erosion. Here the German Emperor Barbarossa was crowned King of Italy in 1155, as can be read on the dot in the marble floor.

4. La Certosa di Pavia

This Carthusian monastery is a work of art in itself and well worth the detour. The walled monastery is located in the middle of the rice fields 10 kilometers north of the city. After entering the gate, you will be immediately dazzled by the magnificent marble facade, which is decorated with hundreds of figures and scenes.

Inside there is also much to admire, such as the tomb of Ludovico il Moro and his wife Beatrice d'Este and the beautiful wood carvings in the choir. At the gate in the middle of the church you sometimes have to wait for one of the very few remaining monks to open the door.

5. Duomo of Pavia

Pavia Cathedral has one of the largest domes in Italy. For a few years now, after decades of renovation, it can be admired from the inside again. Repairs began after the tower next to the cathedral collapsed, killing several people. The church itself is quite bare inside.

6. Le Torric

Pavia, like so many Italian cities, was once a city of a hundred towers. The most important three surviving examples are now in Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, near the university, but if you look closely you can still see the remains of partly demolished towers all over the city. One of them even has a restaurant ('Torre degli Aquila', along Strada Nuova).

7. University of Pavia

Pavia has one of the oldest universities in Italy (and the world) and a visit to the maze of courtyards will transport you into a medieval atmosphere. The university mainly houses the humanities faculties in the center, but it also has an authoritative science branch (mainly medical) that is located in a new complex just outside the ring road. In one of the courtyards you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee in the student restaurant.

8. Il Ponte Coperto

Pavia lies along the Ticino River, which joins the great Po a few kilometers further downstream. In line with the Strada Nuova, which cuts through the entire city from north to south, is the famous covered bridge, where even Albert Einstein still mused (according to a quote from him on a plaque on the bridge), not about the theory of relativity but about the girl from Casteggio he was in love with.

By the way, the original bridge was destroyed during World War II and the current reconstruction is a little further downstream. On the other side of the river is the small 'borgo' whose houses are often flooded during high water.

9. Il Castello Sforzesco

In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the counts of Milan ruled these regions and the area of ​​Milan and Pavia was in fact a great hunting park for the noble rulers.

For a pleasant stay in Pavia, the Sforza family built a large castle on the north side of the city. In the library of this Castello Sforzesco, even Petrarch worked for the tombs. Now there are some public museums and occasional events.

10. La Piazza Vittoria

Pavia also knows the tradition of strolling, watching and being watched, chatting and enjoying the appetizer. The meeting place is the large Vittoria Square in the heart of the city. Make sure you are seated at a table around five o'clock to observe the Italians (who are still by far the majority in this relatively unknown city) 'in the wild'.

And further…

When staying in Pavia, a trip to the beautiful wine region would de Beyond Pavese should not be missed, if only for a delicious, traditional Sunday lunch at one of the many excellent agriturismi in the region.

Or maybe you prefer to explore the city from a holiday home in the Oltrepò? Then you can go to Villa I Due Padroni (www.duepadroni.it), in a panoramic position just half an hour from the historic city.

Photos: Stef Smulders